Powerful Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia

CALI, Colombia — A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday, claiming at least 111 lives and causing widespread destruction across the region. Residents and rescue workers are frantically searching for survivors amidst the debris.

The quake wreaked havoc in Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, where volunteers tirelessly sifted through the rubble, passing debris along in a chain to aid the rescue efforts. Álvaro López, an affected resident, described his building as ruined, while the neighboring structure completely collapsed.

The scene is reminiscent of the ongoing rescue operations in Venezuela, which recently experienced its own severe earthquakes. In addition to Cali, cities like Pereira, Quibdo, and Manizales faced significant devastation. Neighboring countries, Ecuador and Panama, also felt tremors from the earthquake.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was located in San Jose del Palmar, within the Choco region, around 250 miles west of Bogota. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella reported that 87 individuals sustained injuries and approximately 1,600 buildings were damaged, with at least 61 completely destroyed. An emergency declaration aims to expedite recovery funding.

We will not abandon our people. They are in our hearts, and we will dedicate ourselves fully to assisting them, President de la Espriella assured.

The Strongest Earthquake in Colombia This Century

Colombia’s Geological Service confirmed that Monday’s quake was the most powerful recorded in the country in the 21st century, followed by numerous aftershocks. The Pacific region near the epicenter, part of the seismic Ring of Fire, frequently experiences significant earthquakes. Choco, a remote and impoverished area, is mainly accessible by boat or plane, which complicates the damage assessment.

Local officials confirmed fatalities across various regions, including 40 in Risaralda, 27 in Valle del Cauca, nine in Choco, two in Caldas, and one elderly victim in Antioquia. The locations of the remaining deaths are not yet clear.

The recent tragedy in Colombia triggered fears similar to those after Venezuela’s catastrophic quakes, which resulted in over 6,300 deaths. As of Monday afternoon, missing persons reports began appearing in online databases, with over 2,000 missing, primarily from Cali and Pereira. Among the missing is a young mother with her baby and an elderly woman whose family is searching desperately for information.

Massive Damage and Rescue Efforts

Jorge Moncayo, a taxi driver in Cali, witnessed buildings collapse and dust clouds rise, while rescue teams searched tirelessly for trapped individuals in 380 damaged structures. He expressed gratitude for surviving the quake.

Choco remains largely inaccessible due to communication outages and its isolated location. In Pereira, dramatic scenes unfolded with falling airport ceilings and widespread destruction of stores and homes. Mayor Mauricio Salazar estimated at least 15 collapsed buildings with potential survivors trapped inside.

Manizales saw significant damage to its neo-Gothic cathedral, prompting Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas to advise residents to remain outdoors amid aftershocks. Authorities suspended flights at numerous regional airports to assess infrastructure damage.

International Aid and Response

Historically, Colombia experiences smaller earthquakes known as “temblores,” while those exceeding 6.0 magnitude are uncommon. The recent quake is the first major crisis faced by President de la Espriella, a contentious leader due to his plans to curb criminal activities.

The U.S. pledged $15.5 million for emergency assistance, and Latin American nations are ready to help. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed their willingness to support Colombia. Chile’s President José Antonio Kast offered aid, citing Chile’s extensive experience with earthquakes.